Helicobacter Pylori Screening

Also known as: H. pylori testing, H. pylori bacteria testing.

What is Helicobacter pylori screening?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers. A test to check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori is known as a Helicobacter pylori screening. There are several different types.

What happens during the procedure?

Helicobacter pylori screening can be done is several different ways. It might include a breath test, a stool test or a tissue sample (biopsy). The test that the doctor decides to do will be determined by a number of different factors.

Is any special preparation needed?

Patients may need to avoid taking certain medications before the breath Helicobacter pylori screening. Otherwise, no special preparation is needed.

What are the risk factors?

Infection, bleeding or damage to internal organs are potential risks of biopsy or blood test Helicobacter pylori screenings.


Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: May 12, 2023 03:30 PM

Pediatric Gastroenterology

The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is dedicated to the treatment of a wide variety of gastrointestinal problems in infants, children and adolescents with a multidisciplinary approach.

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